Frozen Fruit Is Being Recalled From Trader Joe's and Costco Due to Hepatitis A Risks

Nashia Baker
·2 min read
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Frozen fruit is a freezer staple for several reasons: It's perfect for homemade smoothies and lasts longer than the fresh produce you have in your fridge. Unfortunately, you may need to toss out your recently purchased frozen fruit due to a new recall. Scenic Fruit Company is recalling frozen organic strawberries sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafoods, and PCC Markets because of hepatitis A risks, according to the Food and Drug Administration; the company is also recalling its frozen organic tropical blend sold at Trader Joe's.

The following products are under recall:

  • 24-ounce Simply Nature Organic Strawberries (4099100256222)

  • 16-ounce Vital Choice Organic Strawberries (834297005024)

  • 4-pound Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries (96619140404)

  • 10-ounce Made With Organic Strawberries (814343021390)

  • 32-ounce PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries (22827109469)

  • 16-ounce Trader Joe's Organic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango (00511919)

frozen strawberries in a bowl
frozen strawberries in a bowl

Oxana Denezhkina / EyeEm / GETTY IMAGES

Related: How to Know If That Bruised or Partially Rotten Produce Is Okay to Eat

Reported outbreaks began in late-November to December 2022. There have been five hepatitis A cases, including two hospitalizations, documented to date, according to a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Each case was reported in Washington state; each patient noted that they ate the frozen organic strawberries sold by Scenic Fruit Company.

The frozen fruit is currently being recalled in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Maryland. And while hepatitis A has not been detected on the products, the Scenic Food Company noted in a statement that "out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product."

Hepatitis A symptoms, including yellowing eyes, stomach pain, and fever, typically appear two to seven weeks after infection, according to the CDC. To prevent potential illness, the FDA also advises destroying the fruit or returning it where it was originally purchased to get a full refund. Customers with any questions can contact the company at customer.service@scenicfruit.com.